Newcastle United’s Champions League qualification bid goes to the final day following their 1-0 defeat against Arsenal.
Howe made one enforced change from last Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea. Alexander Isak was absent with a groin problem, which saw Callum Wilson handed only his second Premier League start of the campaign.
The Newcastle boss also continued with his 3-5-3 system after Sven Botman was passed fit, despite going off with a knee complaint last weekend.
United started well in North London and were left wondering how they weren’t in front at half-time after David Raya denied the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Tino Livramento, Harvey Barnes and Dan Burn.
Typically, the Magpies were punished for their missed chances 10 minutes into the second-half when Declan Rice smashed the ball past Nick Pope from 20 yards.
Howe reacted by making a triple change on the hour-mark when Emil Krafth, Lewis Miley and Will Osula replaced Jacob Murphy, Sven Botman and Wilson.
But Newcastle couldn’t find an equaliser. They now head into their final day clash against Everton still needing a win to secure Champions League qualification.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at the Emirates Stadium - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
5. Sven Botman - 7
Passed fit after last weekend’s knee issue and got through an hour in North London. Gave Arsenal little joy and also slipped in Tino Livramento for an excellent chance. | Getty Images
6. Dan Burn - 8
Has rarely dropped his stands this campaign and today was no different. A big presence at both ends. Aggressive. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Tino Livramento - 8
Did brilliantly to work his way into some dangerous attacking positions but couldn’t work David Raya. Gave Bukayo Saka little joy. | Getty Images
8. Bruno Guimaraes - 8
Should have opened the scoring six minutes in but hit his shot close to David Raya. Controlled the midfield in the first-half. Here, there and everything for NUFC in the second. | AFP via Getty Images